Paris, France. On January 15, 2013, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of France, Marc Henry, will hold a press conference. The event will take place at the Press Club in the presence of French journalists. The subject of the press conference will be "Freemasonry and society in France and Europe."

The press conference will also be attended by the Grand Masters of GLTSO and LNF. The three Grand Masters will try to present the Masonic perspective for 2013 and to talk about the reunification of French Freemasonry.

Paris, France. On 18 December 2012 was held a meeting of the five Grand Lodge of France which intent to gain international recognition. In this regard their representatives signed a declaration to establish the Confederation of Traditional and Regular Grand Lodges of France.

Bern, Switzerland. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland talked in his official message for 2013 about the need to respect the promises made and about the state of international Freemasonry.

"(...) Freemasonry was exposed to a virulent series of articles against it. The new social media of disseminating information (...) gave us a stark picture of our Brotherhood (...)," stated Jean-Michel Mascherpa in his speech.

Sucre, Bolivia. From 15 to 17 December 2012 was held the 11th National Congress of the DeMolay Order of Bolivia. According to the elections held during the congress, Mauricio Villafuerte Guerra was elected as Master National Advisor and Jorge Quintanilla was electes as Official National Executive. Next year, the Congress will be held in La Paz.

Bucharest, Romania. On December 21, 2012, will take place the Extraordinary Session of APMR's Council. On 22 and 23 December there will be several analysis sessions of the Agency regarding different Masonic jurisdictions of Europe, Asia, North and South America. The meeting will be chaired by APMR's Secretary-General following his re-installation. The Secretary-General shall be assisted by the Chancellor on Foreign Affairs.

Husum, Germany. The eleventh edition of the European Masonic Meeting will be held in Germany next year in the northern town of Husum. The event was held this year in Cyprus. The meeting will be hosted in 2013 by Zur Bruderliebe an der Nordsee Lodge (Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland, founded in 1770, confederated to the United Grand Lodges of Germany), founded in 1906.

The Worshipful Master of the host Lodge, Brother Hauke ​​Thiesen, announced that the meeting will take place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2013. The official invitations will be sent via the Grand Lodges.

Apatzingán, Mexico. This evening will take place a special dinner gala to mark the anniversary of 152 years since the founding of the Supreme Council of Mexico. The event will take place in the "Los Caracoles" restaurant. The dinner gala will be attended by the Sovereign Grand Commander of Mexico, Manuel Jimenez Guzman, the Deputy of the Supreme Council in Michoacan, Fernando Lopez Alanis etc.

Singapore, Singapore. The Grand Secretary of the United Grand Lodge of England, Nigel Brown reopened last week Freemasons' Hall in Singapore. The building is a monument offered by Queen Victoria to the Freemasons of the former British colony. In the city-state there are 8 Lodges under the English Constitution.

Brasilia, Brazil. Oscar Niemeyer died at the age of 104 years. Brazil's most famous architect and one of the greatest architects of the modern world, Niemeyer was one of the fathers of modern architecture. Niemeyer participated in the construction of the current capital of Brazil, the Cidade Administrativa de Minas Gerais etc.

London, United Kingdom. It has been more than two years after the scandal that involved French Freemasonry and has gone around the world. It's been half a year since UGLE announced the suspension of relations with GLNF and nearly a quarter of a year since England decided to break relations with the French National Grand Lodge, but not quite definitely.

The appearance of the declarations of Basel and Brussels indicated that the five Grand Lodges of Europe, led by the United Grand Lodges of Germany, are determined to help change the landscape of French Freemasonry. However, the declaration of the new Grand Chancellor of the United Grand Lodge of England of September indicated that he expects GLNF to regain UGLE's recognition. Also, the Grand Chancellor Derek Dinsmore stated that for the moment there can be no question of recognizing another Grand Lodge in France.

This month, according to the official agenda set by the Grand Lodges of Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria will be issued a report on the state of French Freemasonry and the evolution of the negotiations that took place. In the same vein, in exactly one week will take place UGLE's Quarterly Annual Communication, the last of this year, where it is possible to be analyzed the decision of GLNF's new leadership and to take note of the report of the five European Grand Lodges.

The election of a new Grand Master and yesterday's decision of Servel, Grand Master of GLNF, to suspend Stifani seems to be a first step in rallying GLNF's policy with the statements made almost three months ago by UGLE's Grand Chancellor.

Stifani was suspended for unethical Masonic conduct, violation of fundamental rules, attempt against the Fundamental Principles of the Craft and attempting against the image and proper functioning of the French National Grand Lodge.

According to this decree, Stifani is forbidden to attend GLNF's Lodge meetings, the Annual Communication and Board of General Purposes. After years of internal struggle, Stifani is temporarily removed from GLNF, which may indicate that Servel wants to show to the United Grand Lodge of England that GLNF can have once again credibility.

Paris, France. On 28 November, Grand Master Marc Henry issued a statement to members of the Grand Lodge of France presenting the situation regarding the negotiations held for the "unification" of the French Masonic landscape.

GLdF's leaders hosted in recent months a series of bilateral meetings with other Masonic organizations in France (GLTSO, LNF, GL-AMF and GLIF). The Grand Masters have discussed on the autonomy of the Grand Lodges, respecting the independence of all practiced rites, on a Masonic conduct that falls within the Masonic tradition and regularity.

In the view of the Grand Lodge of France, the French Masonic union can formed with the existence of a national confederation.

Montevideo, Uruguay. After founding two new Lodges within the country the Women's Grand Lodge of Uruguay decided that involvement in social activities in the country is required to show their support for civil society actions.

In this regard, headed by Grand Master Alicia Toyos, WGLU's members attended the rally organized by "Women in Black" NGO. The organization is an international team composed of women who promote peace. This social movement was born in Jerusalem in 1987. On November 25, they marched against violence.

Brussels, European Union. Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council, stated at the meeting with leaders of
Freemasonry in the European Union the following: "I have put the accent this morning on European identity, on Europe, for who the most essential value is the respect for each and every person, a respect resulting in equal rights for everyone, nondiscrimination in all its forms, as well as solidarity and brotherhood. Today, thanks to the value we attach to each person, we are able to build a European Union that is founded on more solidarity, also between young and old."

Brussels, European Union. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, stated at the meeting with leaders of
Freemasonry in the European Union the following: "Europe is built on solidarity, but this solidarity is challenged in the crisis. When people suffer, the temptation is big to follow populist ideas and turn the European Union into a scapegoat. In reality, the EU is the only framework where both solidarity and the necessary reforms can be brought together for the common European good. We therefore should spare no effort to work hand in hand and restore solidarity between nations, between states and within states, between the rich and the poor, the old and the young. Today's meeting is an important contribution to this aim and I am encouraged by the commitment shown by all participants."

Brussels, European Union. László Surján, Vice-President of the European Parliament, stated at the meeting with leaders of Freemasonry in the European Union the following: "In the European Parliament, we believe that intergenerational solidarity has helped citizens survive the recent crisis. Further, intergenerational solidarity is of paramount importance for the whole of society for other reasons - just to mention pension systems or the transfer of knowledge and experience from one generation to other."

Brussels, European Union. Yesterday in the European Union's capital was held the traditional meeting of EU's leaders and Freemasonry's representatives of the Member States. On behalf of the EU participated José Manuel Durão Barroso (President of the European Commission), Herman van Rompuy (President of the European Council) and László SURJÁN (Vice-president of the European Parliament) and on behalf of the Craft attended: Grand Orient of Belgium, the United Grand Lodges of Germany, the Grand Orient of France, Droit Humain (Belgium, France and Spain), International Masonic Order DELPHI (Greece), Women's Grand Lodge of Belgium, Women's Grand Lodge of France, the Grand Orient of Hungary, the Grand Orient Lusitano (Portugal) and the Grand Lodge of Italy.

Also, the event was also attended, among others, by Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski, Schulz's assistant (President of the European Parliament), Jean-Claude Thebault (Director of BEPA) and Katharina von Schnurbein (Advisor for BEPA). The leaders of the European Union and of the Craft discussed during the session on inter-generational solidarity and the establishment of parameters for the society of tomorrow in Europe.

In his speech, Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council said that he wanted to emphasize two principles underlying solidarity: the "European identity" and the "transmission" (to be read as perpetuation, propagation). Rompuy said Europe is based on four core values​​: Greece, Rome, Christianity and the Enlightenment, and that those form our identity.

Bucharest, Romania. In accordance with the decision which was adopted in Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), the National Grand Lodge of Romania was charged with organizing the World Conference of Grand Lodges in 2014. By this, from now and until 2014, Romania holds the presidency of the World Conference.

The most important Masonic event in the world takes place every 18 months (one year and a half) and is held in turn by various Grand Lodges. The event will take place for the first time in history in the Central and Eastern Europe and the first country responsible with its organization will be Romania, the country with the largest Masonic community in this part of Europe, except Turkey.

Dr. Radu Balanescu, Grand Master of the NGLR holds the office of Executive Chairman of the World Conference and he will coordinate the events that will take place in 2014 at the Parliament Palace, the most likely location given its infrastructure, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon.

Chennai, India. According to an annual tradition, the Grand Lodge of India organizes its Annual Communication during the Grand Festival. This year, the Grand Festival was preceded by the World Conference attended by many delegates from Africa, Europe, North America and South America.

According to last year's elections, Brother Vasudev J. Masurekar was elected Grand Master, and on November 24, 2012 he was installed in office in the presence of members of the Grand Lodge of India and Grand Masters present at the installation ceremony.

Chennai, India. From 21st to 23rd November 2012 in India was held the XII World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges, event hosted for the second time by the Grand Lodge of India. On the first day participants gathered at Freemasons' Hall in Chennai where they had the opportunity to socialize.

Romania was represented by Grand Master Radu Balanescu who took office as Executive President of the World Conference, the most important Masonic office ever to be held by a Romanian Freemason since 1989.

Brussels. European Union. A week before the European Council in which 27 Presidents or PM of EU's member states will attend, the Grand Orient of France issued a statement drawing the attention of European leaders that it is not advisable to reduced the food aid budget.

Thus, GOdF welcomed the initiative to establish FEAD (Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived), but disagrees with a lower level of funding for food aid. The Freemasons are warning the Heads of State and Government that fighting poverty is one of the five objectives for implementing the EU 2020 strategy.

Havana, Cuba. On November 17, 2012, the Sovereign Grand Commander of Guatemala, Brother Estuardo Ordoñez will be received by the Sovereign Grand Commander of Cuba, Brother Lazaro F. Cuesta Valdes. The host of this event will be the Galileo Sovereign Chapter #81.

Manila, Philippines. Three hours ago was inaugurated the Masonic Museum of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. The event took place in the presence of the Grand Lodge leaders, authorities and special guests. The Grand Lodge of the Philippines is preparing to celebrate its first centenary, being the largest Masonic organization in Southeast Asia.

Vatican City, Vatican. On November 7, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Brother Vanderlei Bagnato as member of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences.

The professor and researcher Vanderlei Bagnato is a member of Estrela da Libertade (Liberty Star) Lodge #2877 of São Carlos, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Orient of São Paulo State, federated to the Grand Orient of Brazil.

Malaga, Spain. Starting today and until tomorrow, the Supreme Council of Spain organizes its Annual Communication during which will examine the role of women in Masonic Lodges. At the conference held on the subject will attend 10 Supreme Councils of the world., including the Sovereign Grand Commander of Mexico.

The new leader of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Madrid, the scientist and Brother Jesús Soriano Carrillo will award this year's prize to the Supreme Council of Mexico in gratitude for its support given to Spanish Brethren during exile.

APMR's Secretariat General salutes the Supreme Council of Mexico and congratulate Brother Manuel Jiménez Guzmán (Sovereign Grand Commander) for receiving this prize.

Washington, United States of America. Barack Obama (Barack Hussein Obama II) was re-elected last night as President of the United States of America. This is the second and last term of Obama at the White House.

London, United Kingdom. During8 to 13 November 2012, the Duke of Kent (Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England) will pay an official visit to the Falkland Islands on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Barcelona, Spain. From 8 to 9 November 2012, the Grand Lodge of Spain organizes the II International Meeting of the European Research Lodges. The event will take place at ARUS Library and will be supported by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Catalonia, Barcelona City Council and Barcelona'a Provincial Council.

The meeting will be attended by representatives of Research Lodges from Spain, Germany, England, Romania, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Portugal. Brother Gabriel Tocu (Quatuor Coronati Lodge - National Grand Lodge of Romania) will hold a conference on 8 November. Subject: The need for a hermeneutic approach to Freemasonry.

Asuncion, Paraguay. Euclides Acevedo (Grand Master of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay) and Alberto Quiñonez (Grand Master of the Centennial Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay) participated today in a TV program on Unicanal. he subject was issued by the Masonic monument raised by the Symbolic Grand Lodge Masonic in front of Silvio Petirossi International Airport. Also participated in the discussion José Tomás Martínez (National Council for Laity) and Nicolas Delgado (Director Azul y Oro Radio).

Since the beginning of the discussion, José Tomás Martínez began a brutal and unjustified attack against Freemasonry, citing Papal Bulls issued several centuries ago and saying that Freemasonry is an occult society that harms society. Also, Martínez invoked "Cardinal Ratzinger;s decisions" that, he stated, are against Freemasonry.

Euclides Acevedo intervened in the discussion, bringing counterarguments and recognizing publicly that throughout history in Freemasonry were initiated Popes, bishops and priests. Alberto Quiñonez constantly supported Acevedo, claiming that Mr Martin is partisan. Moreover, Quiñonez said that one of the golden rules of Freemasonry is to respect the Constitution of the Republic.

Regarding the scandal that was generated by the Masonic monument in Paraguay, the Director od Radio Azul y Oro explained that the radio only served to provide a point of view and that it is not a revolt of the people, but the opinion of a small group of people.

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IN MEMORIAM Alicia TOYOS

EXCLUSIVE | Interview with the first (woman) Grand Master in the history of the Republic of Uruguay, Alicia TOYOS | This interview has an exclusive character, being part of the Exclusive Collection of Interviews of the Masonic Agency. The republication (total and/or partial publication) of this interview is strictly prohibited.